History helps students to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time. Studying history creates thoughtful and active citizens who are willing to participate in the political process or in their own communities.
History inspires pupils to explore and connect with the past, fostering curiosity about the events, people, and ideas that shaped the world. Teaching equips students with a deep understanding of societies, cultures, and institutions, alongside the causes and consequences of change. As pupils progress, their growing historical knowledge helps them contextualize current events and develop an appreciation for the complexities of human experience. History fosters critical thinking, empathy, and an ability to evaluate evidence, empowering pupils to engage as informed and responsible citizens. Many history students are endowed with healthy scepticism, willingness and a capacity to question their own world, and perhaps find ways to make it better.